The DAME Design Awards jury has selected 67 nominations from record-breaking field of 146 entries.
Products entered for the Awards came from 37 different countries, with the number of nominations selected being the highest number since 2016.
This year’s DAME Design Awards entry fees will be donated to The Ocean Conservation Trust, a global charity that helps protects and restores nature at sea.
Winners will be announced on the first day of Metstrade, 18 November, during the official opening.
This year, the international jury comprised 11 leading design and user experts, with a wide range of perspectives covering key leisure marine and superyacht activities.
The level of creativity and development present was a clear indicator that the marine equipment sector is emerging from challenges.
Patrick Hemp
After initial scrutiny of online entries over two weeks, the jury gathered for hands-on assessment and detailed discussions spanning two intensive days.
For the second year in succession the jury featured a guest student member – recent product design graduate Scarlett Harris.
The jury’s experience was further boosted by the addition of Alexandra Foineau Oakley, whose experience spans equipment distribution, manufacturing and boat product management.
Andre Hoek, Chair of the DAME jury, was unable to be present for the two-day jury meeting due to an unforeseen medical issue.
Patrick Hemp, technical manager for the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), stepped in as acting chair.
Creativity and development
“It was a very intensive but rewarding time, with encouraging levels of products submitted across all categories,” he said.
“The level of creativity and development present was a clear indicator that the marine equipment sector is emerging from challenges in the earlier part of this decade to once again place its full focus on improving the design of the products it delivers to boat builders and end users.”
Metstrade exhibition programme manager, Tessa Meijer added: “The DAME serves as a vital focal point encouraging the marine leisure and superyacht sectors to keep pace with the wider world in terms of design, innovation and technology.”
And she explained that the DAME Design Awards raises awareness of the need for a total design approach to marine equipment design, from aesthetics to functionality, integration to packaging and price efficiency to lifecycle management.
